The performance/celebration will take place at noon in Grace Café, which is located at the corner of Pacific and Broadway.

William Shakespeare, who will be 439 years old this month, is unable to attend but promises to be present in spirit. The celebration will kick off with a cake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday." Following the singing of "Happy Birthday," the Nonsuch Strynge Bande and actress Brooke Hildebrand will offer a short program of music and readings honoring the writer.

The Nonsuch Strynge Bande, an ensemble of students from the Department of Music, focuses on the performance of music from the 16th and 17th centuries. For this birthday celebration, the ensemble will perform music from the time of William Shakespeare, featuring arrangements of songs by John Dowland, including his famous "Lachrimae Pavan." Additionally, several lute solos by Dowland will be played on classical guitar. The Nonsuch Strynge Bande is directed by Dr. Brandon Christensen, professor of violin at Southeast.

Augmenting the musicians, actress Brooke Hildebrand will read several short selections from Shakespeare's works. Hildebrand, a graduate of Southeast, has returned to teach at the University and has been involved as a director and actress in a number of recent productions in Cape Girardeau.

The event and cake are free and open to the public. For further information, contact Jeffrey Noonan at (573) 651-2706 or jjnoonan@semo.edu.